Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions across state agencies and public universities, citing concerns over misuse of the federal programme. The move, which will remain in place until 2027 unless approved by state officials, aims to prioritise jobs funded by Texas taxpayers for local workers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a freeze on new H-1B visa petitions across state agencies and public universities, citing concerns over misuse of the federal programme. The move, which will remain in place until 2027 unless approved by state officials, aims to prioritise jobs funded by Texas taxpayers for local workers.